MASSILLON – The city and a pair of Stark County organizations are teaming up on a mission to help prevent suicides by offering people an avenue for personal support.
Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the city have placed a series of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signs throughout the community.
The awareness campaign aims to help people struggling with thoughts of suicide, mental heath or emotional issues and those just needing someone to talk to.
Over the past five years, the coalition has identified the Massillon 44646 ZIP code as having one of the highest suicide rates in Stark County.
It’s the first community in Stark to display the 988 signs.
Targeting the Massillon area
Elena Aslanides-Kandis, suicide and resiliency services coordinator at StarkMHAR, said Massillon officials have had a “seat at the table” for some time with the coalition, making the city an appropriate first location to post signs.
“They (Massillon) have been aware that suicide rates are higher and are willing to engage,” said Aslanides-Kandis.
There have been 51 suicide deaths since 2021 in the 44646 ZIP code, according to the Stark County Coroner’s Office. As a whole, the county saw 332 over the same time period.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 by placing a phone call, text message or via online chat, connecting individuals to trained professionals who can provide immediate assistance.
Signs in Massillon display the numbers 988, which anyone can call for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Phone calls, text messages or online chats are available by connecting with 988. However, it is not a substitute or replacement for 911 emergencies.
The 988 hotline connects individuals to counselors who can provide immediate assistance. Calls can also link people to mental health and substance use-related services.
“The 988 Lifeline is available to everyone in Stark County,” John Aller, executive director of StarkMHAR, said in a statement. “In fact, it’s available nationwide. This initiative is all about connecting those who may be at a higher risk right now with help.”
988 hotline signs posted in multiple Massillon locales
Sixteen 988 lifeline signs have been placed throughout Massillon.
Some locations include Community Park, Bottoms Park, Kiwanis Park, Amherst Shopping Center, along Reservoir Park Drive and Hills and Dales Road NE at Wales Road NE, according to Mayor Jamie Slutz, who said it’s sensible to assist people who deal with mental health issues.
The suicide coalition and city staff reviewed locations this spring, conducting a joint drive‑through evaluation to determine sign placement.
“By partnering with StarkMHAR, our city can raise awareness about mental health crises and suicide prevention through the installation of these signs. They remind us that compassionate, confidential support is available 24 hours a day,” Slutz said.
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The coalition and StarkMHAR are hoping to partner with other communities in Stark County to install similar signage, said Aslanides-Kandis, adding that Canton would be a logical region to explore next.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day to talk, chat or text message. People can also call 330-452-6000 for assistance.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: New 988-hotline signs in Massillon take aim at suicide, mental health
